---
title: "Skull melting: meaning in gemology"
description: "Skull melting is the method used to grow cubic zirconia. Radio-frequency heating melts the zirconia, and a cooled outer layer of unmelted powder, the…"
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/skull-melting
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Treatments and origin

# Skull melting

Also called skull crucible

Skull melting is the method used to grow cubic zirconia. Radio-frequency heating melts the zirconia, and a cooled outer layer of unmelted powder, the 'skull', holds the melt.

## In more detail

Makers add a stabilizer, usually yttria or calcium oxide, so the crystal stays cubic. Other added elements give colored crystals.

## Related terms

- [Cubic zirconia](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/cubic-zirconia): Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a man-made diamond simulant. GIA names it as the most common simulant today.
- [Synthetic gemstone](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/synthetic-gemstone): A synthetic gemstone is made in a laboratory and has essentially the same chemistry and properties as the natural gem. A synthetic ruby is ruby, made by people.
- [Simulant](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/simulant): A simulant is a material that looks like a gem but has a different chemistry, structure and properties. Cubic zirconia, moissanite and glass are diamond simulants.

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)